Hi everyone! I’ve missed our monthly visits on Inspy Romance, but I try to read the posts every morning to start my day off right. I smile when I see familiar names, and I jump in every now and then with the occasional comment. When Jill Weatherholt graciously invited me to revisit Inspy Romance and share with you about my upcoming release, Thee Will I Cherish, I jumped at the opportunity to say hello and reconnect with some of my favorite readers! I’ve just returned from the first ever Southern CA Christian Writers’ Conference on the beautiful campus of Biola (Bible Institute of Los Angeles) in La Mirada, and I’m energized, renewed, and refreshed. We all need those times in our lives, don’t we? So, about this new book and series…
Thee Will I Cherish is the first in my Treasured Vow Series. Please see the covers for all three books; it’s obvious each couple has a happily ever after ending, but remember, it’s the journey that makes the story! A Christian romance isn’t complete without that happy ending (or the promise of one), after all. Initially, when I revealed the name of this new series, some readers assumed the books would be centered on married couples. Truthfully? I hadn’t thought much about the basic concept until after I’d released The Valentine Verse. Then I was finally able to brainstorm and begin drafting this newest novel (my 25th!).
The Treasured Vow Series is very much focused on marriage, but not in the way you might think. Let me explain. The series features the stories of Gabriella, Matt, and Aubrey, three of four siblings in the Martin family in Meadowvale, a small fictional town located in the gorgeous Shenandoah Valley of Virginia (100 miles outside of Washington, D.C.). Although they’re the children of renowned Christian marriage experts, they don’t have a clue! They all need guidance from the Lord as well as their friends and family to help them navigate relationships and love.
As with all of my books, a strong emphasis is put on faith and family as well as doing the best we can in pursuing godly lives. I hope you’ll find these characters fun and entertaining and you’ll want to invite them into your home as friends!
Here’s the book description for Thee Will I Cherish:
Armed with her MBA degree, Gabriella Martin is ready to face the world. She’s gained valuable experience the past year as the interim CFO of her parents’ highly successful Choose Me! Christian marriage ministry, but is that what she’s destined to do the rest of her career? While she considers her options, Gabriella returns home to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in her native Virginia. What she doesn’t count on is running into her childhood friend Harley nearly everywhere she goes, especially since he suddenly seems more ruggedly handsome and irresistibly charming than ever.
A master woodworker and furniture builder, Harley Goodwin has always been “just friends” with Gabriella Martin from the time they were kids. While she’s home in Meadowvale trying to figure out her future direction, Harley prays he can finally win her heart. He might not have a fancy college degree, but he’s built a solid, flourishing career and is financially stable. As determined as Harley is to earn Gabriella’s love, she seems to suffer the misconception that he’s dated every other eligible girl in town, and she’s the last woman standing. During the long and hazy days of summer, can Harley convince this stubborn beauty she’s the only woman he’s ever loved and that Gabriella needs to stay in Meadowvale permanently and make a life, home, and family with him?
Treasured Vow Series, Book 2: Thee Will I Honor (Matt’s Story)
Treasured Vow Series, Book 3: Thee Will I Love (Aubrey’s Story)
I was thinking of posting an excerpt, but—interestingly enough—each passage I considered gave away a clue for an event in the book that I didn’t want revealed pre-release. Besides, my readers sometimes tell me they don’t want to be “teased” if they can’t read the book right away. So, with that said, Thee Will I Cherish is on pre-order on Amazon! Here is the link: PRE-ORDER NOW.
Thank you for allowing me to share with you today! I’ll be giving away an ebook copy of The Valentine Verse (or any other single book of mine, reader’s choice) to one reader who answers the following question:
When you read a Christian romance, what is the
ONE most crucial element that draws you in and holds your interest?
All comments on this post before midnight July 19, will go in the draw for a free ebook copy of The Valentine Verse. The winner will be announced in the Weekend Edition on Sunday, July 23, 2017.
Thee Will I Cherish is USA Today bestselling author JoAnn Durgin’s first book in her three-book Treasured Vow Series. JoAnn is the author of the beloved Lewis Legacy Series as well as Prelude, the prequel to the series. Her other works include the Amazon bestselling Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design and its sequel, Gentle Like the Rain, The Wondrous Love Series, Echoes of Edinburgh, Perchance to Dream, Whisper to My Heart, The Valentine Verse, The Christmas Challenge, and the popular Starlight Christmas Series.
JoAnn writes contemporary Christian romance full-time and lives with her family in her native southern Indiana. Writing Christian fiction is her passion, and she loves nothing more than sharing the hope to be found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Contact JoAnn via her website: www.joanndurgin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjoanndurgin/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gr8tReads
By day, Jill Weatherholt works for the City of Charlotte. At night, and on the weekend, she writes contemporary stories about love, faith and forgiveness for Harlequin Love Inspired. Raised in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., she now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina, but her heart belongs to Virginia. She holds a degree in Psychology from George Mason University and Paralegal Studies Certification from Duke University. She shares her life with her real-life hero and number one supporter. Their relationship grew on the golf course, and now they have one in their backyard. Jill believes in enjoying every moment of this journey because God has everything under control.
The one thing that draws me in is the tenacity and commitment to each other and to God while the main characters go through trial and tribulation together.
Hi Jill and JoAnn. JoAnn, sooo nice to have you back, I have missed your posts! I am eagerly anticipating the release of this book, thanks for sharing more about the series. When I read Christian romance, the crucial element for me is the growth of the characters- in their relationships with God and each other. The big difference I see between Christian romance and non-Christian romance, is that the characters in the non books tend to be quite self-centred, while those in the Christian romance (either through growth/development) recognise that love involves sacrifice.
Blessings:)
That does make for a great page-turner, doesn’t it? Thanks for visiting today, MH! I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Wemble! I was so happy when JoAnn agreed to be my guest. I’ve missed her posts as well. She’ll be around shortly to chat. Have a great weekend!
Hi JoAnn. I loved the Lewis Legacy series! I think the thing that draws me in is the vulnerability of the characters. We all have to admit we have to rely on God to accomplish His plan for us.
Hi Sherri! Vulnerability is a great example. If I didn’t rely on God and His plan, I don’t think I’d be able to get out of bed in the morning. Thanks so much for stopping by today. JoAnn will be popping over soon. Enjoy your day!
JoAnn, I am excited about your books!
I am drawn into a book by the characters’ commitment to God……how does anyone face a day without Him?!!
Thanks, Jill, for having JoAnn here.
Blessings on your weekend~~~
Hi Jackie! You’re very welcome! JoAnn is such a sweetheart and so giving of her time for new writers, like myself. I hope you’re doing well and still able to get out for your walks despite this brutal heat and humidity. Enjoy your weekend! xo
Hi MH, and thanks for your comment! I wholeheartedly agree. As a matter of fact, in my books, I always put an emphasis on a couple communicating and working through issues as a way for them to grow closer to the Lord and one another. Blessings!
Hi Wemble! :) I hope you and your family are doing well. I miss you, too, my friend (but see you most mornings when I click on the Inspy link)! If you ever decide to join Facebook, I sincerely hope you’ll join me there. I’ve started posting memes (photos with Scripture and quotes)–drawing upon my long-ago advertising experience–and they have grown my author page exponentially and opened an exciting new door in my ministry! :) An Australian reader/friend was trying to figure out what time it’ll be in Australia when Thee Will I Cherish (she pre-ordered it) should download to her Kindle (she suggested Will Lewis calculate the time difference, LOL). I don’t read non-Christian romance anymore, but from what I’ve read in the past and know from book descriptions, readers, etc., even the label of “sweet” romance generally incorporates elements that are–as you’ve said–worldly and self-seeking. Love does indeed involve sacrifice, and I try to incorporate that idea into most if not all of my books. And the spiritual journey for me personally as an author AND reader is that the characters grow and learn with each other and in their individual relationships with Christ, Thanks so much for visiting today and for your comment. Many blessings! As the Lewis family would say, “Until we meet again!: :)
Hi Sherri! Thank you so very much. Never fear, The Lewis Legacy Series continues! There are three more books in this current series (what I’m now calling the “original” Lewis Series) and then a spin-off series lined up behind it. The further I get into this family and their legacy, as well as the TeamWork Missions ministry, the more I’m beginning to think I need a Lewis Heirs Series. So, much more to come! I love your comment, and if you’ve read Pursuit (Lewis Legacy 8), relying on God and allowing Him to use us to accomplish His mighty “will” is a huge element in that particular story. I appreciate your comment and your readership. Blessings!
Hi Jackie, and thank you so much for visiting Inspy Romance and leaving a comment today! Oh, your answer to my question really touched on something I wholeheartedly stand behind. Through my characters and their stories, I always try to show how God is always there in our lives, guiding us, helping us, and revealing His will–but we have to open our hearts and our eyes and allow Him to do so! When we forge ahead on our own steam, we’re often stalled and stagnant in our lives. A prevalent spiritual thread is always present in each of my books and nothing pleases me more than when a reader tells me they gained a biblical nugget of truth and/or wisdom from reading them. Many blessings! :)
Jill, I was up late/early this morning (until about 3:30 a.m. EST). My husband, my daughter, and her boyfriend traveled to the Indy area last night for a Chicago/Doobie Brothers concert (talk about a blast from the past!). I was up writing and just kept going until they returned. :) Thank you again for hosting me on Inspy Romance today!
How exciting to have you post again. I haven’t been able to follow daily as I used to, so thanks for the FB warning. I also haven’t been able to keep reading in the same speed as I used to (Sam is growing up handsomely though so even though I miss the me time, I am really happy), but I’ll sure get to Thee I will Cherish.
Now, to answer your question, as I’ve been more selective in ny readings lately I realized a key thing I enjoy seeing in Christian romance is their search of God’s guidance not just their feelings (for everything in life). Sam’s character is still a big favorite.
PS: I finally got my sister to read Awakening (even though I bought it to her a while ago) and she’s hooked. ;)
It’s my pleasure, JoAnn. Sounds like a great concert…definitely a blast from the past!
Thanks for visiting today, Priscila! No doubt, your time with little Sam is worth forsaking the “me time.” Enjoy this time!
Hi Priscila! I was hoping you’d be able to stop by today. Again, I love that your son is named Sam (for probably obvious reasons), and I’m thrilled he’s doing so well! :) I had to smile when you said I gave a FB “warning” yesterday about my post. LOL. Thanks for heeding that warning. Yes, characters who seek God’s guidance is a huge part of all my books. If you’ve read Pursuit, in particular, you would have seen that aspect very much in play for the hero and his heroine. :) Ditto The Valentine Verse (where there’s a Lewis *sighting* or two). Thank you so much for your role in helping “hook” your sister onto the Lewis Legacy Series. I hope you’ll continue to read and enjoy my books long into the future. Wishing you many blessings!
Good morning, ladies! Thee Will I Cherish sounds like another winner, and I can’t wait to read it. The key story ingredient for me is the journey of surrender to God and realizing His ways are best–and come with unexpected blessings. I’ve already read The Valentine Verse, so please don’t enter my name in the draw. I don’t want to keep someone else from the delight of reading it!
Hi, Kathleen! It’s great to see you this morning. Thank you for sharing your story ingredient with us. Have a fantastic weekend!
Good morning, my friend! Thanks for visiting Inspy Romance, Kathleen, and I appreciate your very kind words about Thee Will I Cherish and The Valentine Verse. :) Your response to my question touched upon something I LOVE when writing OR reading a book–those unexpected blessings that evolve through a character’s spiritual journey to and/or with the Lord. I find that so exciting! Whether it’s a spiritual truth or a nugget of wisdom learned, a more tangible blessing…no matter WHAT it is, we can always learn and grow from it. I am continuing to pray mightily for the wildfires to be subdued and extinguished in your area of Canada as well as for those fighting the fires (and those suffering from the effects). Blessings to you.
It is interesting to read what the others have written about what draws them in. My first thought was not about what happens to the characters in the book, but what usually draws me in are characters that are “real,” and dialogue that feels real, and to which I can relate. One thing I don’t like is when there’s too much attention on how hunky the hero is, and not on his character :-)
Nice to see you today, JoAnn! As a reader and writer both, I love seeing the spiritual arc develop in a Christian romance!
Welcome, Margaret! I agree, too much “hunky” makes the hero not so hunky. :) Thanks for visiting today. Have a great weekend!
Hi Margaret, and thanks for your comment. I always like posing a question to see how readers respond. It’s fun and enlightening for me as an author. As a reader, like you, I enjoy realistic dialogue, characters, and situations. I like to believe my own books are character driven. In romance (even Christian romance), there is always some mention of physical looks. That’s simply the nature of the genre and part of the “fairy tale” that many romance readers want and seek (otherwise it’s more women’s fiction or another genre). I personally believe it’s more important that the person is as beautiful on the inside as the outside and try to emphasize that point. It’s especially important for the hero and his heroine to value the other for their spiritual beauty, as well, and that they challenge them to grow in their own walk with the Lord. Blessings! :)
Thank you, Val. I was very happy when Jill invited me to guest post, and I’m enjoying my return visit. :) I agree; the spiritual arc is ultimately one of the most satisfying elements in a Christian romance. Blessings to you!
Hi Val! I enjoy the spiritual arc as well. Have a great weekend!
One crucial element for me in a Christian romance is the way characters have faith and grow in their faith in God.
Hi Mimi! That’s a great one, too. Thanks for visiting today! I’m sure you’re getting very exciting as the delivery date approaches. :)
A strong, natural sounding faith that grows and influences others.
Hi Minion, and thanks so much for stopping by and your comment! I completely agree that growing in their faith is a crucial element in a Christian romance. Blessings.
Hi Paula, not sure if this comment will show up below yours (I hope so), but thanks for your comment. I agree that the faith element has to be natural in order to be realistic and make an impact on the reader. Thank you so much for visiting Inspy and for your comment! Blessings. :)
Hi Paula! Natural is the key. Thanks for sharing with us today. Enjoy your weekend!
It’s so nice to see you here, JoAnn! I think for me story premise initially gets me to read a book, but the pacing and the characters must hold me attention to keep me reading.
Hi Kimberly! Pacing is a big deal to me both as a reader and a writer. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Kimberly! Great to see you, too. You bring up some very good points, and I completely agree. The story premise needs to intrigue me, as well as the cover. If the author is one known to me, that sometimes has a lot to do with whether or not I’ll pick it up, as well. Keeping the attention is crucial, and that’s always a fun challenge for authors, isn’t it? :) Many blessings to you, my friend. Thanks for the comment.
So great to see you here again, JoAnn!
For me, it’s not so much what pulls me in, but rather, what interrupts that pull. Recently, I’ve read lots of romance books from the Christian market that have included expletives, profanity, sensuality, crude humor, etc., and all of those things are quite disappointing to me. They scream, “I’m from the world!” rather than, “I’m a reflection of Christ.”
Happy writing, friend!
Hi Andrea! Fortunately, I’ve yet to come across these kinds of books, marketed as Christian fiction. I can certainly understand your feelings. Thanks so much for sharing with us today.
One thing? I could list a dozen but I will try to be concise. I think the thing that draws me in is the depth of characters. If I start reading a book and there’s a lot of emphasis on her appearance and wardrobe I tend to lose interest. I want to know thoughts and emotions. I want to read her mind, not see her reflection in the mirror. I want to read how faith is tested and remains strong. I also really enjoy characters who talk a lot. Dialogue is vital to a book. Tell me the scenery is gorgeous, school me on space exploration, but always let me be a fly on the wall for deep and meaningful conversations between characters. Don’t tell me they talked for hours! Tell me what they said!!!
One thing that always draws me into a book and keeps me reading until the very end is JoAnn Durgin’s name on the cover. I know by the time I turn the final page I will have been encouraged to get closer to God. I will have spent a considerable amount of time in bible study and I will be more sure in my knowledge that God is in the details.
I love JoAnn’s books and can hardly wait for the new series. Please don’t include me in the drawing since I have been blessed to have already read it.
Hi Amy! You made some excellent points. It is difficult to narrow your reasons. Getting inside a character’s head is key for me as well. As for JoAnn, I couldn’t agree more! Thanks so much for sharing with us today.
Hi Ann! I think JoAnn is writing as fast as she can. :) Thanks for visiting today!
Andrea, it’s so GREAT to see you again, too! Thanks for your comment. I’ve been on my proverbial “soapbox” lately about those things you mentioned because I’ve read books like that, too, and yet they are widely praised and loved. Profanity is slipping into more and Christian fiction, and I’ve felt at times as though I’m fighting a losing battle, but I will never agree that curse words have ANY place in Christian fiction. You won’t see it in my books. Christian are human, and we want our books to be realistic, but my characters always try to live “above” the line. The hero in Thee Will I Cherish even says to the heroine that he wants his life to prove he’s “set apart” from the world. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t have human needs and wants, but he knows how to control them, and that’s more important to show than indulging in worldly desires. Thanks again, and blessings to you and your lovely family! :)
Amy, thank you so much for your humbling and gracious comments as well as your faithfulness in reading my books almost as fast as I can release them! I’m sure you know one reason my books are generally longer are because of all those in-depth conversations! LOL. :) I think those conversations are what help readers get to know, understand, and love the hero and heroine more so than constant action in a moving plot (not that I don’t incorporate that element when it’s needed). Encouraging readers in their Christian walk and imparting nuggets of spiritual truth is my goal as I write my characters and their stories. Nothing thrills me more than when someone tells me they’ve learned something to apply to their own lives in a meaningful and positive way because of something they read in one of my books. Wow. Praise the Lord! I’m honored to write Christian fiction and will continue to do so as long He allows. Blessings and thank you again, my friend.
Thank you, Jill! :)
Thank you so much, Ann! You are such a faithful and dear reader, and I’m blessed to call you my friend. I can’t wait for you to read Harley and Gabi’s story…very soon. And Jill, if only I could write as fast as I can come up with ideas for characters and story lines! Blessings, ladies. I appreciate you! :)
I understand that, JoAnn! :)
Joanna, you are new to me but I love the sound of your books, I will agree that couples working together to see things thru is key… I feel like I am dipping my toes in after a long time of not writing, influencing or reviewing, as I lost my pastor (best friend) and my Dad on my Birthday this year… I am back and want to say Hello to all you Inspy Ladies. I am going to start using my blog again soon and look forward to sharing Jesus, Great Books and Life !!!
Blessings
Linda Marie Finn
Faithful Acres Books
I’m so sorry for your loss, Linda. My father means the world to me, so I can’t even imagine the pain you’ve endured. I’m sure I can speak for all of us here at Inspy that we’ll keep you and your family in our prayers. We’re happy to have you back. God bless.
Linda, I am so sorry for the loss of your father, especially on such an otherwise special day for you. Bittersweet, indeed, but I trust you take comfort in knowing he’s rejoicing in heaven and that you will one day be reunited. Welcome back to the pond, so to speak, and I wish you all the best as you dip your toes in again! :) Thank you for your kind comments. The Lord has blessed my writing ministry, and I plan on continuing as long as I’m able or until His glorious return! If you like to read about couples working through issues, I have a few books that might interest you. :) Feel free to find me on Facebook and send a friend request. Thanks for your comment and blessings!
Waving at my buddy Jill!
Hi JoAnn, let me just say the covers of these books in your new series are gorgeous! That alone would make me open them to read the summary pages. The storyline you’ve chosen for this series is original. Which is one of the things I look for. I read a lot and at times it feels like I am reading the same stories over and over so thanks for the originality.
Simply put, I enjoy Christian romance that has an interesting story line, appealing characters with witty conversation, and of course they have an issue that only a God can help fix.
I’ll be putting this series on my amazon buy list. Thank you JoAnn and Jill too, for writing relevant Christian fiction.
Waving back, Tracey! I hope you’re having a great summer. I agree, JoAnn’s covers for her new series are fabulous. Thanks for sharing with us today…stay cool!
Girl, the temps actually dropped 10 degrees to 88, so I was able to get out and get some things done! I need to get up to the higher elevation on the Skyline Drive, in the Shenandoah Valley area we both love. (I forgot to say, what a great location for JoAnn’s new series!) My daughter was up there last weekend and she said it was nice enough to drive with the windows down, I was a bit jealous!
You’re blessed…we’re still sweltering down here. The little rain we receive only makes it more sticky and humid. Oh, how I’d love to be in the Shenandoah Valley right now. Since I can’t, my current story I’m revising is set there, so I suppose it’s the next best thing. Enjoy your cool down and please, send some of that air down here!
Hi Tracey, and thanks so much for visiting Inspy today and for your kind comments. I loved reading them! :) I’ve always have a big hand in the design of my book covers, and the covers for this particular series came together almost effortlessly, I’m pleased to say. I try to be original in my storylines, as attested by one of my recent books (Lewis Legacy Series 8) with a Christian astronaut (a shuttle commander who goes to the ISS). :) And you had me at “witty.” I ADORE writing the banter between my hero and heroine and to keep the dialogue snappy and moving forward. The Valentine Verse is the most recent example, and some have said it’s one of their favorites for that very reason. It’s difficult for many authors to write banter, but it’s a real strength for me. I try to vary the settings of my books, too, and appreciate your comments about the Shenandoah Valley. I’m enjoying the research and writing about that beautiful area of the country. I hope you’ll have the opportunity to read one of my books very soon! If you’re on Facebook, feel free to send me a friend request or like my author page. Blessings to you! :)
Hi , If I’ve missed any of JoAnn’s wonderful books, I’m not sure what it would be. I do believe I’ve read them all including The Valentine Verse. Like the rest of them, it was excellent! She is a very prolific writer whose books I love. I’m one of her many fans plus I’ve had the wonderful privilege of meeting her in person. She is almost exactly what I expected: a very warm hearted, caring, loving individual whose love for Jesus shines through. Like someone else mentioned, I’m really not writing to be entered into the drawing at all. I just really love and appreciate the JoAnn Durgin and the great books which she has authored. Thank you for interviewing this great author! May God bless you Jill.
The book needs to have characters who are people that I can relate to.
How wonderful to have you visit Inspy and comment on my guest post today, Faith! You are a joy and a true blessing. I hope I can visit with you again in person one day. Thank you so much for your very kind (and humbling) comments. I appreciate you even more than you can possibly know. I hope you’ll add Thee Will I Cherish to your TBR list of upcoming releases! Sending you hugs and much love. Stay cool in Jacksonville! Blessings. :)
WOW!! there are a lot of things that I look for in a Christian romance novel, but if I had to list only one thing to answer this question, it would be their commitment to each other.
I read Christian romance novels not only for the happily-ever-after (that’s a given, right?), but most importantly because I will find God in the story. He speaks to me in one way or another through the author, encouraging me, reminding me of His love, or just has the perfect message I need to hear at that moment. This may sound odd, but I love when characters struggle with something. Because their faith will play a major role in how they handle those situations. When I see growth in the characters like that, it makes me cheer for them! It also encourages me to reach out to Him in that way in my own life. Kind of like having kindred spirits along with me on my own walk with God.
I hope this answers your question, because if I had to come up with just ONE thing, it would be the faith element :-)
It’s been my pleasure, Faith. I appreciate your visit to Inspy today!
Welcome, Martha! I agree, if I can’t relate to the characters it’s hard to hold my interest. Thanks so much for visiting today!
Great comment, Andrea! Despite the struggles throughout the book to get together, knowing that deep down there’s a commitment to each other, makes for a true HEA. Thanks for visiting today!
Hi Trix! It’s great to see you here. You’re always the first to comment over on Seekerville. Yes, a HEA is a given in Christian romance…at least for my publisher. I don’t think it’s strange that you enjoy watching a character struggle. We all have challenges in real life, if the character’s life was void of struggle it would make for some dull reading. Thanks for sharing today!
Thanks for your comment, Martha! You’re right. If a book doesn’t have relatable characters, then it steals away the enjoyment of the book. Blessings and happy reading!
Hi Andrea, and thanks for your comment! You’re right–if there’s no commitment, there’s really no story! As Jill said, having that commitment also makes for a true HEA. Blessings!
Hi Trixi, and thanks so much for visiting my guest blog today and leaving a comment. And yes, you’re exactly right. If there’s no faith element, it’s not really a true Christian novel. Blessings, and happy reading!
I think what draws me in is the way the characters interact, the ability to “know” what they think and their search for God’s guidance in their path.
Thank you for visiting Inspy Romance and for your insightful comment, Laura. I agree those things always draw me into a book, took, as a reader. The best stories combine a good balance between what the characters are thinking and events that propel the story forward. Seeking God’s guidance is something I always want to see in my heroes and heroines, too. Blessings, and happy reading! :)
too, not took (above)…always editing :)
Hi Laura! Thanks for sharing with us today. We appreciate your visit!
Congratulations on another great book and great series, JoAnn! Thee Will I Cherish sounds awesome. And I love the covers. As for your question, I like reading about characters’ spiritual journey.
Hi Alexa, and thanks so much for your comment! I’ve really enjoyed writing this first book in The Treasured Vow Series, and I hope the readers enjoy it, too. :) Obviously, based on the covers, there is a definite HEA for these characters. But, as you’ve said, it’s the journey that’s most important. Blessings, my sweet friend.
Hi JoAnn, the thing I love to see in a Christian Romance is the depth of character and the lessons one can learn about putting their faith in God in that relationship. Life isn’t easy, it can be heart breaking but only the peace of God can get you through those tough times. God understands our frustrations and struggles so seeing that played out in these stories helps others relate and learn I think. Thanking God for you!
Jill, you are incredibly blessed. Hopefully you won’t run into any of those types of books in your reading selections.
JoAnn, that’s one soapbox I’ll gladly stand on with you! :) Blessings to you and yours too. May our writing always honor the God we serve.
Hi Becky! Thanks so much for stopping by the blog and for your comment. “Life isn’t easy.” You hit that nail on the head; I’m always saying that and one reason I add humor to my books. I’m so thankful that our gracious and merciful God knows and understands our frustrations. As you know, I try to convey that in my books as well as His guiding hand on our lives. I like to believe the majority of readers of my books can relate to the frustrations and struggles of my characters (even a NASA shuttle commander!). :) Thanks again, and happy reading! :)
Hi JoAnn, the things i look for are their relationship with God, each other and how they treat each other and the people around them. They can be struggling with issues but so long as they are trying, that’s what counts. Who among us has not ‘fallen short’ at times. So long as they remember God, family and work in that order we will see their lives work out.
Someone mentioned a book labled Christian that she didn’t feel was, i have asked Amazon about that and it is/was my understanding from them that if an author labels a book as Christian that they will market it that way.
JoAnn’s books always have relatable characters often with flaws that make them easy to identify with. Keep up the good work my friend!
Hi Gail, Both JoAnn and Jill are trying to reply but are having issues with their comments. I’m trying to sort it out, but I didn’t want you to wonder in case you were checking back. :)
Hi JoAnn! In any story, character is the thing. It doesn’t matter the setting if the characters are well drawn and seem real. And of course, dialogue is usually make or break for me. I enjoy wit in novels. ?
As far as Christian fiction, it’s imperative for me that it shows a realistic faith without being preachy. I’m thankful for authors like you who fit all of those categories. Your new book looks spectacular. Can’t wait to read it!
Hi Gail! Thank you so much for visiting Inspy and for your comment! How the hero and heroine treat one another, as well as family and friends, is a very good indicator of where they stand with the Lord IMHO. And you’re exactly right that none of us are perfect, and we all struggle with something or another. As a reader (and author), I love seeing a spiritual journey unfold through the eyes of the characters because we’re all “teachable” and can always learn something new. As far as labeling books on Amazon, it is up to the publisher and/or the author (in terms of an indie author) to assign up to three “categories” as well as list “key words” for their books. Unfortunately, sometimes the terms Christian, inspirational, spiritual, religious, etc. are either misused or misunderstood, and the books are miscategorized. The discerning reader, however, can usually get a very good sense (but not always) of the book’s content by taking advantage of Amazon’s “Look Inside” feature and reading through the online sample. Thanks again, Gail. Have a great week and happy reading!
Hey, Christina! So great to see you here and thanks for the comment. You know I agree about characters being well-drawn and realistic, and as both a reader and an author, I need that sparkling wit in dialogue. :) Right back at ya! Your novels have all the elements, my friend. I hope you’ll enjoy this new series. Blessings!
I agree, Alexa, the covers are great!
Welcome, Becky! What a great comment! How blessed we are to have such an understanding God. Thanks for visiting!
Welcome, Gail! That’s so true, all of us fall short now and again, but as long as we’re trying our best, God gives us second chances. Thanks for visiting!
Thanks, Elizabeth!
Thanks for visiting, Christina. I agree! Long after I finish a book, it’s the characters that linger in my mind.
JoAnn, I love reading your books! What really holds my attention is the main characters and how they relate to each other. A good relationship takes a lot of work and like seeing the struggles the characters have that are real life.
Hi, Beth! Thanks so much for your comment. You’re so right that a relationship (especially a healthy one) takes a lot of work! I think when we show how characters struggle in fiction, that translates to our own lives and helps us understand we’re not alone. Of course, I love showing how the Lord can guide us, and He’s always there for us if we just look to Him! If you read the description of THEE WILL I CHERISH (releasing August 8th), the heroine’s parents are successful lChristian marriage ministry partners. That made for an interesting (and fun) dynamic! Thanks for your faithfulness to my books! Blessings. :)
Thanks for sharing this post. What draws me in the most is that the actual story line and that the book is still great without being filled up with a bunch of scenes that I just skim over anyway. Thank you!
Hi Linda, and thanks so much for your insightful comment! :) I know as a reader, too, I love a story line that holds my interest with snappy dialogue and enough to keep me turning the pages! It doesn’t have to be constant action in a romance, and conversation is very important in my books as a way for readers to really get to know the characters better. However, a good balance is always best! Happy reading, and thanks for stopping by! Blessings.